AWA Licensing and Registration

Under the Animal Welfare Act, many businesses that buy or sell warm-blooded animals, exhibit them to the public, transport them commercially or use them in research experiments must be licensed or registered by the USDA though APHIS’ Animal Care program . Licensees and registrants undergo routine inspections.  Annual license fees are required and are calculated based on business income or number of animals held. Registration is free.

• Licensing and Registration Under the AWA (Guide)
• AWA Factsheet (PDF)  
• Request a Licensing and Registration Application Kit
• Search Licensees and Registrants

Businesses and activities subject to AWA requirements include:

• Selling to pet stores Sellers of exotic or wild animals
• Providing animals to research laboratories
• Auction operators Specimen or dead animal sales
• Common commercial carriers e.g. airlines, railroads, shipping lines
• Intermediate Handlers Zoos-zoological parks, roadside zoos, and petting zoos
• Marine mammal shows
• Animal-Fighting ventures
• The use of animals in promotions
• Animal performances to include circuses, carnivals, and use in film
• Research facilities- whether owned and operated privately by a University or College, or by a State or local government, drug firms, teaching institutions, and diagnostic facilities that perform research using animals